GROWING demand for learning Scotland’s oldest spoken native language has seen classes spring up across the region.

To keep up with public demand for Scots Gaelic classes have already started in Dumfries, the Stewartry, Wigtownshire and Annandale through a partnership between the council and community group Gàidhlig Dumgal (www.gaidhligdumgal.com).

Now a Scots Gaelic Adult Learning Day is being held for Eskdale residents in Langholm Community Centre next month.

A council spokeswoman said: “We want to make sure Eskdale is included. People can get an idea what it is like to learn Gaelic by enrolling in a class for the day.

“The beginners’ class will be taught by the Ulpan method, which has been applied to great effect for learners of other languages such as Hebrew and Welsh, and now Gaelic.

“If there is enough interest for a regular class, then local man Richard White, who works at Hawick museum and has learnt Gaelic himself, would be willing to take it.”

She added: “Some people are attracted to Gaelic because of the songs and music, so if that is more to your taste, we are offering a Gaelic song class for the day.

“Morag Law, who was brought up on Colonsay and Skye, and is an experienced singer and teacher and now lives in Renfrewshire, will be taking that class.”

The learning day will be held on Saturday, June 16, from 10am to 4pm and places must be booked in advance from Andrew Wilson at 07722114518 or email adult.learning@dumgal.gov.uk.